Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what feedback mechanisms for reporting errors relating to personal independence payments assessments are in place between the courts and healthcare assessment providers.

The fact a tribunal comes to a different conclusion does not mean there has previously been an error. DWP decisions are most often overturned because of new written evidence that the claimant has not provided to DWP to consider previously or because of the claimant’s oral evidence.

Over the past year the department has recruited over 150 Presenting Officers. These are being used at PIP and ESA hearings and are now providing direct feedback to decision makers and the assessment providers. Where appeals progress to the Upper Tribunal and the courts, the decisions and judgments handed down are used, where appropriate, to review existing decision making guidance, including that relating to PIP assessments.